Steelers surge to 6-2 record, lead AFC North after dominant win over Browns

Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland 27-6 on Sunday, moving to 6-2 on the season and securing sole possession of first place in the AFC North. Running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 143 yards and a touchdown on a 51-yard run that set up the first score, while Rico Dowdle added 56 yards. Tight end Pat Freiermuth contributed a short touchdown run.

The Steelers outgained the Browns 200 to 34 on the ground, marking the second consecutive week they surpassed their opponent by more than 130 rushing yards. Defensive lineman Cam Heyward said the team’s success hinges on stopping the run and establishing its own rushing attack.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, in his first season under head coach Mike McCarthy, made several key plays, including a 58-yard pass to tight end Darnell Washington that turned into a long gain after the catch. Rodgers described the overall performance as “not very complete” because of missed red-zone opportunities, but noted the team’s 6-2 record and division lead.

The loss highlighted struggles for other AFC North rivals. The Baltimore Ravens placed quarterback Lamar Jackson on injured reserve after a thumb injury, and the Cincinnati Bengals needed overtime to beat the Tennessee Titans despite strong numbers from quarterback Joe Burrow.

Browns head coach Todd Monken said the team failed to establish its run game and committed early turnovers, which contributed to the defeat. Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt praised Warren’s running style, calling him “a bowling ball with teeth.”

Next-gen Stats’ playoff predictor gives Pittsburgh a 75% chance of reaching the postseason, while the Browns sit at 32% and the Bengals at 86%. The Steelers will have a bye week before facing the Bengals again in two weeks, a matchup that could further define the division race.